Differences and Similarities between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz.

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Karelian Bear Dog Versus Kuvasz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Karelian Bear Dog and for the Kuvasz. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Karelian Bear Dog or the Kuvasz.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Kuvasz: Overview

A very important difference between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Kuvasz is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are Working Dogs. This means both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Kuvasz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Karelian Bear Dog to the Kuvasz based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz

Factor Karelian Bear Dog Kuvasz
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 10 to 12 years
Height 19 to 24 inches 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 44 to 50 pounds 70 to 115 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1350 $1630
Price Range $1400 – $1400 $1438 – $1812
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 78.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Karelian Bear Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Kuvasz. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 66 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kuvasz is 66 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kuvasz is not better or worse than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you can get the Kuvasz or the Karelian Bear Dog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz

    Below is a list of where the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are most different:

  • Karelian Bear Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Kuvaszs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Kuvaszs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz

    The Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are most similar:

  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are not easy to train.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz are very playful.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Karelian Bear Dog versus Kuvasz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz.

    Karelian Bear Dogs weigh 44 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Karelian Bear Dogs are 19 to 24 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Kuvasz

    The lifespan of Karelian Bear Dogs is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Karelian Bear Dogs is 11.5 years.

    The lifespan of Kuvaszs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Kuvaszs is 11.0 years.

    Karelian Bear Dogs live longer than Kuvaszs.

    Temperament of the Kuvasz Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Kuvasz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Kuvasz is 78.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Karelian Bear Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 78.4 percent, the Kuvasz has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz by measuring the temperaments of 3 Karelian Bear Dogs and 51 Kuvaszs.

    Price of Karelian Bear Dog versus Price of Kuvasz

    The average price of the Karelian Bear Dog puppy is $1350. The price of the Karelian Bear Dog typically ranges from $1400 – $1400. However, the price of a Karelian Bear Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $1400. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 9 Karelian Bear Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Kuvasz puppy is $1630. The price of the Kuvasz typically ranges from $1438 – $1812. However, the price of the Kuvasz can be as low as $1250 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 Kuvasz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Kuvasz is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Karelian Bear Dog Kuvasz
    Average Price $1350 $1630
    Price Range $1400 to $1400 $1438 to $1812

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Karelian Bear Dog and Kuvasz. For different price points, the charts show how many Karelian Bear Dog puppies or how many Kuvasz puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Karelian Bear Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Karelian Bear Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs

    A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Karelian Bear Dog puppy or the Kuvasz puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Karelian Bear Dog versus Kuvasz

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Kuvaszs?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Kuvaszs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Kuvasz

    Karelian Bear Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kuvaszs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Kuvasz?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Karelian Bear Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kuvasz?

    Karelian Bear Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Kuvaszs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Kuvaszs?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Kuvasz

    Karelian Bear Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Kuvaszs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Kuvaszs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Kuvasz?

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Karelian Bear Dogs good family dogs? What about Kuvaszs?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Kuvaszs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Kuvaszs?

    Karelian Bear Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Easier to Train than the Kuvasz?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Kuvaszs are not easy to train.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Kuvasz?

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Kuvasz?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Kuvaszs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Karelian Bear Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Karelian Bear Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Karelian Bear Dog:

  • Mountain Cur (77 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kuvasz

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kuvasz that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Kuvasz:

  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Kuvasz). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Karelian Bear Dog and how the Kuvasz compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog and of the Kuvasz to other breeds:

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Vizsla     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bedlington Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwegian Buhund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Japanese Chin     Karelian Bear Dog versus Shihpoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cockalier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Whoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Beagle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Akita Chow     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomchi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Karelian Bear Dog versus Westiepoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Redbone Coonhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwich Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Scottish Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Welsh Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus German Pinscher     Karelian Bear Dog versus Briard     Karelian Bear Dog versus Collie     Karelian Bear Dog versus Goldador     Karelian Bear Dog versus Dalmatian     Karelian Bear Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog     

    Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kuvasz versus Collie     Kuvasz versus Barbet     Kuvasz versus Irish Water Spaniel     Kuvasz versus Papipoo     Kuvasz versus Swedish Vallhund     Kuvasz versus Azawakh     Kuvasz versus Lakeland Terrier     Kuvasz versus Weimaraner     Kuvasz versus Collie     Kuvasz versus Shihpoo     Kuvasz versus Collie     Kuvasz versus Pointer     Kuvasz versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Kuvasz versus Maltipoo     Kuvasz versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Kuvasz versus Belgian Sheepdog     Kuvasz versus Korean Jindo Dog     Kuvasz versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Kuvasz versus Rottweiler     Kuvasz versus Labrador Retriever     Kuvasz versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Kuvasz versus Collie     Kuvasz versus Pomchi     Kuvasz versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Karelian Bear Dog versus Kuvasz. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Kuvasz better suits you and your family.